Thursday, June 30, 2011

Tim: For reasons I don’t understand, for some projects I type material, while for others I need to handwrite it and then type it. Sometimes the words and ideas just flow more easily using one method than the other. If I find myself having real trouble composing at the keyboard – when the words come so slow and difficult that writing is torture – I switch to writing by hand in a cheap notebook, and usually the words pour out of me like water. Sometimes during the course of a long project like a novel, I’ll switch back and forth between methods several times. I always tell students that if you find yourself blocked, change the way you’re writing – write by hand, write in a different location, write at a different time of day, etc. Sometimes switching things up can make all the difference.

TQ: Are you a plotter or a panster?

Tim: I’m a bit of both, actually. I usually work from a rough outline that lays out all the major events and story beats, but when it comes time to write specific scenes, I find myself improvising as I go. My outline may change as I go along, too – sometimes in small ways, sometimes large ways. I’ve sold all my novels to publishers via outlines for the last ten years or so. Since I write them months before I actually get a contract to start a book, I sometimes find myself taking a fresh look at an outline and saying to myself, “What the hell were you thinking? This is way too sketchy to base a novel on! Man, that editor must’ve been crazy to buy this!” But then I settle down and start writing, trusting myself to flesh the story out as I go.

TQ: Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Tim: Stephen King and Piers Anthony were both huge influences on me in my younger days. I loved King’s characterization, sense of place, and ability to evoke fear in his readers, and I loved Anthony’s wild creativity and sense of humor. In many ways, the Matt Richter books are a direct result of both those influences. One of my all-time favorite writers is Lawrence Block, and I named Matt Richter after Block’s detective Matt Scudder. I really enjoy Simon Green’s work, too. We seem to be on similar wavelengths in many ways. Several reviewers have compared the Nekropolis books to Simon Green’s Nightside series, which I take as a great compliment since I love those novels!

TQ: What inspired you to write the Matt Richter series?

Tim: Years ago, I was in a writers’ group that counted the fantasy novelist Dennis McKiernan as one of its members. Dennis invited me to join his gaming group, too, which I was thrilled to do. The members of the gaming group took turns being gamemaster, and the games they ran were all original scenarios created by the gamemaster. So when my turn came to run a game, I created the city of Nekropolis as the setting. Not long after that, I adapted the scenario I created into a novel called Necropolis (which was the original spelling of the title). That book was published by a small-press publisher called Five Star. Years later, Angry Robot brought out an expanded edition of the novel in paperback (there’s an additional 25,000 words in the new version). The editors thought using the original Greek spelling of the word Nekropolis gave the book a more sinister, gothic vibe, and I agreed.

I liked the idea of a zombie private detective because it A) sounded like it would be a hell of a lot of fun and B) since corruption is a prime thematic element in classic PI novels, I thought a rotting zombie who is struggling to solve his case before he falls apart would make a fun twist on the theme of corruption.

TQ: Matt Richter is a zombie. How does Matt differ from zombies as depicted in a George Romero film?

Tim: Matt is a self-willed zombie. He retains his full human intelligence, all his memories are intact, and he has no need or desire to gorge himself on human flesh. He can’t turn a human into a zombie by biting them, and if you put a bullet into his brain, it might interfere with his thought processes depending on the damage done, but it wouldn’t stop him. He slowly rots over the course of a two-week period of so – though he’ll rot faster if he suffers significant damage. He can see and hear, but he can’t smell and he can’t feel anything physically – no pleasure, no pain. He moves slower than a human, and as he rots, his speed and coordination both decrease. He needs regular applications of preservative spells to keep himself fresh, which is one of the reasons he works. Preservative magic doesn’t come cheap! And of course he’s way more charming and has a better sense of humor than any Romero zombie – at least, that’s what he’d tell you!

Tim: In one scene I introduce the character of Granny Red, the most feared monster slayer of all time. She’s an old woman garbed in crimson, and she’s rumored to be the original Red Riding Hood – or perhaps the legend come to life. A little girl who lost her way and almost paid for her mistake with her life, and who later became a slayer of werewolves, and eventually any and all monsters, when she grew up. I had a lot of fun writing that scene – Granny Red could kick Van Helsing’s or Buffy’s ass any day of the week! And still be finished in time for tea.

Another favorite scene occurs because Matt – who’s become rather famous after saving the city in the last two books – is being followed around throughout Dark War by a cybernetic vampire camera operator who’s constantly filming him with his ocular video implant for a reality show. At one point Matt sees playback of some of the finished footage, and the show’s producer, concerned that Matt’s too dull, has provided a false voiceover to make Matt seem like an overwrought stereotype of a noir detective AND a lustful, flesh-hungry zombie to boot! Matt, of course, is furious, but his friends think it’s hysterical. And I do too! I wrote this scene as a way to poke a bit of fun at a reviewer who thought Matt wasn’t “intense enough” in Nekropolis. Why fire off an e-mail to respond to a reviewer when you can instead use the incident to fuel a fun scene in a new book?

TQ: In Dark War, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?

Tim: In some ways, I guess Matt was both the easiest and most difficult character to write. Easiest because I’ve written so much about him and I know him so well, and most difficult for the exact same reason. I had to try to avoid falling into a rut with him. When you write a series character, you have to avoid making everything seem “same old, same old” to the reader, and you have to remember that your character grows and changes during the course of his adventures. Hopefully, I managed to pull this off in Dark War.

TQ: How many books are planned for the Matt Richter series?

Tim: The series currently stands at three novels: Nekropolis, Dead Streets, and Dark War. There are also three short stories featuring Matt: “Disarmed and Dangerous” in Spells of the City (which takes place before Nekropolis), “The Midnight Watch” which appears after the text of Dead Streets (and which takes place between the first and second books in the series). And “Zombie Interrupted” which is forthcoming in Human for a Day (and which takes place between the second and third books). Right now, no further books are planned in the series, but if Dark War sells well, who knows? I’d certainly love to write more novels about Matt and the strange city he works in, and I have plenty of ideas for future adventures.

TQ: What's next?

Tim: In September, the first novel in a new series I’m writing with Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of the Ghost Hunters TV show will appear. It’s called Ghost Trackers, and it’s about three friends who as teenagers come in contact with a terrifying supernatural force, an encounter that leaves them traumatized and unable to fully remember what happened. Now, fifteen years later, that same force is stirring once again, and the friends return to their home town to discover the truth of what happened to them on that fateful night and prevent the darkness from spreading.

I had a lot of fun writing this book, and I’m currently at work on the sequel.

TQ: Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.

Tim: Thank you for having me!

About the Matt Richter / Nekropolis Series

Nekropolis

Matt Richter / Nekropolis 1
(Angry Robot Books, September 28, 2010)

MATT RICHTER MAY BE DEAD, BUT HE'LL STILL CRACK THIS CASE.
Meet Matt Richter. Private Eye. Zombie. His mean streets are the city of the dead, the shadowy realm known as Nekropolis.

This place has always been ruled by the vampire overlords.
Now they're plotting to destroy the city.
... over his dead body.

More pulp than Pulp Fiction, more butt-kicking than Buffy, Nekropolis is the first in a deathly new series.

You've got to keep your head to survive in the teeming undead city known as Nekropolis. It's a pity crazed genius Victor Baron couldn't manage that. Now everyone wants a piece of him.
Zombie detective Matt Richter and his glamorous she-vampire companion Devona are back on the case, with another wild and wonderful investigation.

From his first arrival in the deathless city of Nekropolis, ex-cop Richter has found himself embroiled in disputes with the city’s vampiric rulers, shapeshifters, golems and other monstrosities. But Nothing has prepared him for the Dark War.

Discover the explosive third book in the Matt Richter series, the stunning follow up to Nekropolis and Dead Streets.

Tim Waggoner’s novels include the Nekropolis series of urban fantasies and the Ghost Trackers series written in collaboration with Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of the Ghost Hunters television show. In total, he’s published over twenty novels and two short story collections, and his articles on writing have appeared in Writer’s Digest and Writers’ Journal, among other publications. He teaches creative writing at Sinclair Community College and in Seton Hill University’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction program. Visit him on the web at http://www.timwaggoner.com/.

What: One commenter will win a Mass Market Paperback copy of Dead War (Matt Richter 3) from The Qwillery.

How: Leave a comment to be entered.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Thursday, July 7, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Eugenie Markham is a freelance shaman, guarding our world from the invasion of Otherworldly creatures. Those who try have 'The Dark Swan' to contend with. But Eugenie's about to cross into the Otherworld alone to rescue a girl that nobody else will. Will she make it back across alive?

Issue 2 of Richelle Mead's Dark Swan: Storm Born picks up immediately after the events in Issue 1. Once again I read the comic alongside the novel to check whether it lived up to the high standard of Issue 1 with respect to the story. Again, I was not disappointed. Other than switching around a couple of scenes, Issue 2 follows the book almost exactly. The scenes work well in the book in the original order and work just as well in the comic in the reversed order. The flow of the comic is excellent.

The art work by Dave Hamman is exceptional as is the color. The comic truly captures the novel and brings it to life. It's almost cinematic. I'm afraid that I will run out of superlatives for this comic. As I said before, you don't have to read the novel - you can just read the comic. Really!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Ah, cover art. Two words certain to leave a debut author torn between excitement (“ooh, can’t wait to see my novel as a Real Live Book!”) and nerves (“Oh god, what if I hate the cover?”). For those not in the know, authors – especially brand new ones – often have no say in the cover. If you talk to industry veterans, you’ll hear a host of horror stories. Most tales of woe involve marketing folks who ignore the actual content of the story in favor of slapping the latest, greatest art trope on the cover. (“Put a tattooed chick with a sword on it. Those are hot right now. What’s that you say? None of the characters have tattoos, let alone carry swords? Who cares – you want it to sell, right?”)

So I was both delighted and relieved when my editor at Night Shade Books emailed me the cover art they’d commissioned from artist David Palumbo. Not only was the art gorgeous, but it did a wonderful job portraying the spirit of my book.

I like to call The Whitefire Crossing an adventure fantasy. When writing it, I aimed for the adventurous feel and tight character focus of sword-and-sorcery, but with pitons and ice axes instead of swords. One of Whitefire’s two protagonists is a mountain climber, the other a mage; at the start of the book, the mage (Kiran) hires the mountain climber (Dev) to help him cross the treacherous Whitefire Mountains and sneak over the spell-warded border of a neighboring country. Neither Dev nor Kiran trust each other, and for good reason – they’re each playing a deeper game than the other realizes. Soon enough they’re hip deep in trouble, caught between dangerous enemies with the fate of their home city hanging in the balance.

Looking at the cover art, the “mountain adventure” part of The Whitefire Crossing comes through loud and clear. I could tell right off that David Palumbo had actually read the book (or some portion thereof – though as it turns out, he read the whole thing). Not only are the mountains perfect: steep, snowy and rugged – which I’m thrilled about, since as a climber myself, mountains are important to me! – but so are the little details. The charm dangling from Dev’s wrist; the rope connecting the two men; the believably warm clothing; the tree turning black from Kiran’s touch because he’s stealing its life energy to supplement his own – all of that is just right.

Speaking of Kiran and the tree: the original version of the art didn’t have the red glow on the tree, just the blackened bark.

The original version was more true to the book; here’s a description of Kiran sucking life from a tree, as told from Dev’s perspective:

He didn’t say a word, just went straight for the nearest tree and grabbed a branch like it was a lifeline. I don’t know what I’d expected. A flash like a mage ward would give, or a sound, or something – but there was nothing like that. His head fell back, his eyes closed, and the look on his face made my skin crawl. I’d seen that same slack-jawed pleasure in lionclaw addicts when they swallowed a dose.

The needles of the tree withered to brown, then curled and blackened as if burned.

But while the blackened-bark art was both beautiful and accurate, I worried it was a little too subtle. I thought it might be good to clearly indicate to potential readers that the book had a strong magical element, and wasn’t historical fantasy. With the support of my agent, I brought it up with my editor. The editor agreed; so David added the red glow to the tree, to play up the magical element. I’m very happy with the result – I figure it’s more important for a cover to give the right feel for a book than be perfectly accurate.

Which brings me to character depictions: I think I’ve figured out why so many recent fantasy covers feature people in hoods or with their backs to the viewer. It’s so the publisher doesn’t have to worry the author will freak out over how the artist drew the character’s face. After all, it’s pretty hard to match whatever image the author’s been carrying around in their head for so long.

On my cover, Kiran’s face is showing, and he came out a bit more Asian than I’d imagined him. (In the book, he’s described as having black hair and high cheekbones, but blue eyes and fair skin). I don’t mind, though, because again I think it gives the right feel – most of the characters in Whitefire are meant to be either non-white or a mélange of races. Dev, for instance, is described as brown-skinned, dark-haired and green-eyed; I’ve always pictured him as a male, somewhat darker-skinned version of the green-eyed Afghan girl in that famous National Geographic picture. (See http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2002/04/afghan-girl/index-text) With Dev’s face hidden, I definitely prefer Kiran not to look like a fantasy-standard white boy.

I feel pretty darn lucky to have gotten such a great cover for my first novel. I’m hoping David Palumbo will do the art again for Whitefire’s sequel, The Tainted City (forthcoming in 2012). Regardless, I think I’m in great hands with Night Shade!

Dev is a smuggler with the perfect cover. He's in high demand as a guide for the caravans that carry legitimate goods from the city of Ninavel into the country of Alathia. The route through the Whitefire Mountains is treacherous, and Dev is one of the few climbers who knows how to cross them safely. With his skill and connections, it's easy enough to slip contraband charms from Ninavel--where any magic is fair game, no matter how dark--into Alathia, where most magic is outlawed.

But smuggling a few charms is one thing; smuggling a person through the warded Alathian border is near suicidal. Having made a promise to a dying friend, Dev is forced to take on a singularly dangerous cargo: Kiran. A young apprentice on the run from one of the most powerful mages in Ninavel, Kiran is desperate enough to pay a fortune to sneak into a country where discovery means certain execution--and he'll do whatever it takes to prevent Dev from finding out the terrible truth behind his getaway.

Yet the young mage is not the only one harboring a deadly secret. Caught up in a web of subterfuge and dark magic, Dev and Kiran must find a way to trust each other--or face not only their own destruction, but that of the entire city of Ninavel.

Courtney Schafer grew up reading Diana Wynne Jones and Patricia McKillip and her love of fantasy has only grown with age. Her debut fantasy novel The Whitefire Crossing will release this August from Night Shade Books. When not writing, Courtney figure skates, climbs 14,000 foot peaks, squeezes through Utah slot canyons, and skis way too fast through trees. To support her adrenaline-fueled hobbies and writing habit, she received a degree in electrical engineering from Caltech and now works in the aerospace industry. Visit her at http://www.courtneyschafer.com/.

The Giveaway

THE RULES

What: One commenter will win an ARC of The Whitefire Crossing from Courtney!

How: Leave a comment answering the following question:

Have you ever bought a book because of its cover art?

or

Do you have a favorite cover or cover artist?

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Tuesday, July 5, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

Monday, June 27, 2011

VANCOUVER (June 27, 2011) - Arcana Studios, an award winning comic book publisher and transmedia producer, is proud to announce that Harper Collins is to release a new printing of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, the amazing creation of Sean Patrick O'Reilly and Kevin Hanna, this July.

Long out of print, THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, was originally released in five illustrated stories and sold more than 340,000 copies worldwide. The full story of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL (Harper Design//On Sale:July 12, 2011//ISBN:9780062080394) comes to life again in this beautifully illustrated graphic novel with a new forward from the original authors, Sean Patrick O'Reilly and Kevin Hanna, along with playful, full-page pin-ups of the characters.

The story takes place in a whimsical land far, far away where inventors compete to show off their latest trinkets and inventions at the local fair. A mad scientist, determined to win the top prize at the fair, creates a robot Clockwork Girl. Against all odds, she finds love and companionship in Huxley, the amazing mutant circus boy. Despite the threats of their warring families, they begin to explore the world together and discover what it means to be human—to move, to think, and ultimately, to love.

THE CLOCKWORK GIRL has won the Moonbeam Award, as well as the Graphic Novel of the Year Award at Book Expo America by ForeWord magazine.

This fall, THE CLOCKWORK GIRL will be released a a 3-D luximation animated film, voiced by a "dream team" of talents, including Carrie Ann Moss (Matrix), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), Alexa Vega (Spy Kids), Jesse McCartney (Horton Hears a Who) and Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond). An exciting sneak peek teaser is available online at http://www.theclockworkgirl.com.

About Arcana Studios:
Arcana Studio Inc. is an entertainment company with over 150 graphic novels and remains independent of major entertainment studio affiliation. Arcana Studio is currently in production of the stereoscopic 3D animated feature, The Clockwork Girl. Arcana is also partnered with Gale Ann Hurd (“Terminator”, “Aliens”) on Gearhead, Alexandra Milchan (Sylvestor Stallone's “Head Shot”) on Blade of Kumori, Hans Rodinoff and Hollywood Media Bridge (“Lost Boys: The Tribe”) on Raise Kane, Scott Milam (“Mother's Day”) on Gauze, Ben Magid (“Hack/Slash”) on Trout, Jar Productions (“Hidden Howie”) on Philosopher Rex, Terry Dougas (“The Invention of Lying”) on The Tower, Doc Wyatt (“Napoleon Dynamite”) on 100 Girls, JC Spink (“The Hangover”) on Continuum, Adrian Askarieh (“The Hitman”) on Amnesia and also is producing a three slate at Codeblack/Universal for Light's Out, Ant and Blam!

Happy Monday! This week at The Qwillery there will be a guest blog from Courtney Schafer. Her debut, The Whitefire Crossing (The Shattered Sigil 1) will be released in August 2011. On Friday, I'll have an interview with Tim Waggoner. The 3rd book in his Matt Richter series, Dark War, will be released on the 28th.

There are a lot of books being released this week. A book shopping list in PDF format may be found by clicking here. Click "File" on the left and then "Print (PDF)." Remember to set your printer to Landscape mode. Anthology covers and book trailers are below. The July 2011 Book Releases will be posted in a couple of days.

It's Summer. This year one of my small humans is staying home and not attending camp. I'd like to spend as much time with him as possible. Tempus fugit! So I may not post on the weekends this Summer. May not. Possibly will. I also will be a bit more scarce on Twitter and Facebook. The son and I have plans!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

On Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 10:00 PM ET/PT, the Sundance Channel will be airing an episode of its original series "Love Lust" that I'm particularly interested in watching, both because it's about the UNDEAD and because I'm interested in hearing the theories that will be discussed.

“THE UNDEAD”Tuesday, June 28th at 10pm
The Undead have risen, and they’ve taken over popular culture. Far from being a recent phenomenon, vampires and zombies have haunted us for centuries, evolving to fit the challenges of each culture and era. Simultaneously bewitching, repelling, seductive, and terrifying, these blood-suckers and brain-eaters embody both society’s greatest fears and its secret, carnal desires. LOVE LUST: THE UNDEAD looks at how every generation defines itself with monsters, from Dracula to “Twilight” and from Vlad the Impaler to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” From the Press Release (full release below)

Here's a clip:

You can see more about Love Lust at the Sundance Channel by clicking here. Upcoming episodes include "Secret Societies" on July 5 and "The Paranormal"on July 12th. Love Lust is rated TV-14. Love Lust episodes air at multiple times so if you miss the show check the schedule at for additional broadcast times.

PRESS RELEASE

MORE REASONS TO “LOVE LUST”

SUNDANCE CHANNEL’S SERIES CHRONICLING THE HISTORY OF POP CULTURE PHENOMENA: SIX NEW EPISODES BEGINNING JUNE 7TH AT 10 PM

Six New Episodes Range from ‘Street Eats’ to “Sex Symbols” to "The Undead”

New York –May 10, 2011 – From the foods we love to eat to the mythical creatures that love to eat us, Sundance Channel’s “Love Lust” will take on our guiltiest pleasures this summer, including the undead (vampires, zombies, etc.), social networks, sex symbols and secret societies. Airing Tuesdays nights, beginning June 7th at 10 pm ET/PT, each hour-long episode of “Love Lust” provides a definitive and entertaining account of how life’s cultural innovations progress from novelty to ubiquity.

The series kicks off the first of six new episodes on June 7th at 10pm et/pt with ‘Street Eats,’ a delicious account of the world’s oldest and most beloved way to dine: on the street. Our experts chew on the savory history of the food trucks and sophisticated finger foods that have helped build communities and bring people together of every ethnicity and viewers will meet the surprising people that helped cook up the our cultural melting pot and the modern day pioneers that are elevating street food from grunge to gourmet.

The first installment of “Love Lust” debuted on Sundance Channel in February 2011, kicking off fashion week with stories of iconic sartorial staples like the ‘Bikini,’ and ‘The Little Black Dress.’ Four hour-long episodes unraveled the origin, and stitched together the evolution of various fashion must-haves.

The schedule for LOVE LUST is as follows:

“STREET EATS”Tuesday, June 7th at 10pm
Whether it’s an early morning fix, lunch on the go, or a drunken midnight meal, street food is the world’s oldest and most beloved way to dine out. From sophisticated finger food to down and dirty pig-outs, street food is a global phenomenon that builds communities and brings people together. Now, street food has become an American obsession. All over the country, a new generation of gastronomic food trucks is bringing bold, inventive flavors to the people. LOVE LUST: STREET EATS explores this phenomenon’s delicious history and looks at where it’s headed.

“SEX SYMBOLS”Tuesday, June 14th at 10pm
They’re the people we fantasize about, the faces that stir up passion and the bodies that define hot. They’re sex symbols – those icons of sensuality that captivate, titillate, and allow us to project our most intimate desires. From the curvaceous Marilyn Monroe to the androgynous idols of the 1970s, what makes a sex symbol is more than pure beauty. It’s the ability to tap into and represent the social and cultural politics of the time. LOVE LUST: SEX SYMBOLS delves into how these unforgettable objects of desire personify generations, reflect popular tastes, and drive social change.

“THE SOCIAL NETWORK”Tuesday, June 21st at 10pm
Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, and Friendster … Social networks are the technological way we come together now, but they’ve been part of our lives since cavemen first gathered around a campfire. LOVE LUST: THE SOCIAL NETWORK explores not just the modern day roots of social networking, but also the surprising connections to social networking in the past, like the fashionable 17th century salons of Paris where every bon mot could be either a compliment or a dagger in the heart. As technology makes connecting with more and more friends easier, faster, and cheaper, the raw human element of touching another person’s life may be sacrificed in the process. Is it better to have lots of friends at your fingertips or to run around outside with just a few? Sundance Channel’s plugged-in experts break down the sites we love and take a fun look at our love affair with the social network.

“THE UNDEAD”Tuesday, June 28th at 10pm
The Undead have risen, and they’ve taken over popular culture. Far from being a recent phenomenon, vampires and zombies have haunted us for centuries, evolving to fit the challenges of each culture and era. Simultaneously bewitching, repelling, seductive, and terrifying, these blood-suckers and brain-eaters embody both society’s greatest fears and its secret, carnal desires. LOVE LUST: THE UNDEAD looks at how every generation defines itself with monsters, from Dracula to “Twilight” and from Vlad the Impaler to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

“SECRET SOCIETIES”Tuesday, July 5th at 10pm
It takes more than a secret handshake to crack the world’s most secret societies. Shrouded in mystery and cloaked by riddles, these hidden groups fascinate us, making our imaginations run wild with conspiracy theories both far-fetched and tantalizingly real. From their cryptic origins to their secluded initiation ceremonies, our thirst for information about secret societies is a witch hunt to last the ages. And just why are they so secretive anyway ... is their goal a fun diversion or total world domination? Whether it's "The Da Vinci Code", "The Godfather", or an episode of “The Simpsons,” the media has stoked the fires so much that now it's hard to tell fact from fiction. LOVE LUST: SECRET SOCIETIES separates truth from rumor and give viewers an insider's look at the most captivating mysteries of past and present.

“THE PARANORMAL”Tuesday, July 12th at 10pm
From sightings of UFOs to mysterious ghostly apparitions and unexplained psychic phenomena, all over the world, regardless of the country, culture, or era, the paranormal has always had some degree of prominence in the public psyche. Sundance Channel's LOVE LUST: THE PARANORMAL explores the deepest hopes, fears, and desires fueling our fascination with the paranormal. Our experts look through history to find a wide range of strange phenomena, revealing the people behind the stories and examine how UFOs, ghosts, and the occult have found their way from underground subcultures to the mainstream as well as where the future of the paranormal might be headed.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

I'm happy to announce that Stina Leicht has joined the 2011 Debut Author Challenge. Stina's debut novel Of Blood and Honey was released earlier this year.

Of Blood and Honey
A Book of the Fey and the Fallen 1
(Night Shade Books, January 25, 2011)Fallen angels and the fey clash against the backdrop of Irish/English conflicts of the 1970s in this stunning debut novel by Stina Leicht.

Liam never knew who his father was. The town of Derry had always assumed that he was the bastard of a protestant--His mother never spoke of him, and Liam assumed he was dead.

But when the war between the fallen, and the fey began to heat up, Liam and his family are pulled into a conflict that they didn't know existed. A centuries old conflict between supernatural forces seems to mirror the political divisions in 1970s era Ireland, and Liam is thrown headlong into both conflicts.

Only the direct intervention of Liam's real father, and a secret catholic order dedicated to fighting "The Fallen" can save Liam... from the mundane and supernatural forces around him, and from the darkness that lurks within him.

Friday, June 24, 2011

J.A.: I can’t write in silence. *laugh* Most authors need quiet to create, but not me. I suppose that comes from having four boisterous kids in the house. Most of the time I have music playing on my PC or background noise as I get to work.

TQ: Are you a plotter or a pantser?

J.A.: I have a rough idea of where things go, but for the most part I’m a pantser. As the Rhiannon’s Law series has progressed I’ve jotted down notes, but for the most part I allow Rhiannon to guide me through her story.

TQ: What inspired you to write the Rhiannon's Law series?

J.A.: That’s an interesting question. *smile* I started writing as an outlet to escape my very busy and rather insane life. I’d just finished Crimson Moon, which was intended to be a YA novel. I figured once I got writing out of my system with one book, I’d be done. To my surprise, another character appeared in my head. Unlike the former protagonist I’d created Rhiannon was extremely loud and unapologetic. After a few weeks, I knew she wouldn’t be denied. I told my husband I had an idea for a story about a woman who worked in a strip club as a bartender and saw dead people. He told me, “That sounds nice,” so I sat down and started writing.

TQ: Why did you set the series in New York?

J.A.: I’ve never been to New York, so the idea of creating a story there appealed to me. The big city seemed much more gritty than Alabama. In retrospect, it wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made. I had no idea of the various ways people travel. Thankfully, I had a friend who guided me along my journey. If it wasn’t for him Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between wouldn’t have been possible.

J.A.: I enjoyed writing several of the scenes with Rhiannon and Disco, especially when they interact in the first few chapters. They are different yet similar. I also enjoyed writing the end scene with the villain. I felt it was a vital part of the story and allows the reader to fully understand why Rhiannon is the way she is.

TQ: In Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?

J.A.: Rhiannon is always the easiest. She appears in my head even when I don’t want her to. Ironically, Disco is the hardest to write. I’ve heard him once and that’s it.

TQ: Who should play Rhiannon and Disco if the books become movies?

J.A.: This question is tough, because I can’t pick anyone for Rhiannon. The closest I’ve come is Sophia Bush. Disco isn’t as difficult. I saw the movie Faster and knew Oliver-Jackson Cohen would be perfect.

TQ: Is there a playlist for Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between and what is it?

At the time, I had my iTunes on random. I listened to a lot of different music, ranging from industrial to old school eighties.

TQ: How many books are planned for the Rhiannon's Law series?

J.A.: Right now, I have four books planned. However, I can’t say when Rhiannon’s journey will end. Multiple ideas are running through my head, but I figure she’ll tell me when she’s had enough.

TQ: What's next?

J.A.: Right now I’m working on a few projects. The Ripple Effect is the third book in the Rhiannon’s Law series. I also have a couple of stories under my Aline Hunter pen (Dark Hunger on a Killing Moon and Omega Mine) that will release soon. I’m hoping that within a few months I can finish another urban fantasy series I started a year ago, as well as finish a few contemporary and paranormal erotic romances.

TQ: Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery

J.A.: Thanks so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure!

About J.A Saare's Books

Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between

Rhiannon's Law 1
(Mundania Press, April 30, 2011)

One bad corpse can ruin your whole day.

No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy. She’s left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance, she’s managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her--until now.

The deliciously good-looking vampire Disco knows her secret, and when he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, she discovers he’s not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no. But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it’s only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn’t their first stroll around the undead block.

Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she’s about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco, the better.

Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things, including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.

After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.

Crimson Moon

(The Wild Rose Press, May 27, 2010)

An average morning is what Emma Johnson envisions when she visits Joe’s Café for a steaming cup of coffee. But the world isn't the place she imagined it to be, and neither is she…

After Emma is rescued from a horde of bloodthirsty creatures, she discovers she is the daughter of a powerful Vampire from the House Deviard, her rescuer, Caleb, having been sent to see her safely home. For Caleb is also unique, a werewolf procured to protect the royal Vampiric bloodlines from harm - but nothing more.

Soon, the undeniable connection Emma and Caleb share evolves beyond attraction into something unexpected. When she is forced to make a choice, what path will she take - vampire or wolf?

J.A. Saare is a multi-published author in varying genres and has written stories featured in horror magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and have been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath of fresh air.”

Currently she is penning numerous projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and of course, paranormal romance categories.

Those interested in her "naughtier" side can visit her alias, Aline Hunter, at www.alinehunter.com

What: One commenter will win an ebook copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between generously provided by J.A. Saare. Winner will have a choice of the following ebook formats: PDF, LIT, PRC, HTML, or EPUB.

How: Leave a comment answering the following question:

Rhiannon is a necromancer. What's your hidden supernatural talent?

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Friday, July 1, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

Detective Makoto Sato is on an unrelenting quest to bring down the Takahashi crime syndicate. Sato's efforts earn him a one-way trip to a tropical getaway, courtesy of the Tokyo criminal underworld. The exotic locale? MONSTER ISLAND! Alone and facing death at the hands of both gangsters and goliaths, Sato must use his wits to survive—and enlist the aid of some most unusual friends. Join superstar creators John Layman (Chew) and Alberto Ponticelli (Unknown Soldier) for this unusual and exciting miniseries! IDW Publishing

My first thought was that the comic could have been called Gojira: Yakuza & Kaiju, but that's probably a bit esoteric or silly... or both. Moving on to what I think about the comic? It's really terrific. There's an interesting story - Detective Sato's fight against the Takahashi crime syndicate. Add Monster Island and Godzilla and other 'goliaths' and you've got more than just a typical monster stomps major city story. Godzilla: Gangsters & Goliaths has much less humor than the Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters series, which is also published by IDW. I prefer my Godzilla with less humor. The movies (with the unintentional exception of the US cut of Godzilla (1954)) are not comedies.

The artwork by Alberto Ponticelli excellent. I really enjoyed John Laymon's writing in Issue 1. This is a promising addition to Godzilla comics. I'm looking forward to seeing where Laymon and Ponticelli take the story.

Cover B - Art by Alberto Ponticelli

There is also a Retail Incentive cover which is a B&W version Cover A. In addition there is a Convention Cover with art by Matt Frank.

IDW notes that "This story takes place in a different continuity than Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters."

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Please welcome Jenn Bennett to The Qwillery as part of the 2011 Debut Author Challenge Interviews.

TQ: What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Jenn: I have a small audience of good luck charms that sit by my computer: a three-legged pig from Chile, a Chinese Buddha, and a Japanese Momiji message doll. Before I write, I like to double-check that they are are facing me.

TQ: Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Jenn: Edgar Allan Poe, Lord Byron, Phllip Pullman, Anaïs Nin, William S. Burroughs, Diana Gabaldon, Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison. I like rebels, counter-culturalists, madmen and madwomen. And I like subversive storytellers. I'm sure that everything I read influences my writing in one way or another, including magazines and nonfiction and emails from friends. But the biggest influence on KINDLING THE MOON was probably Arturo Pérez-Reverte's THE CLUB DUMAS.

TQ: Are you a plotter or a panster?

Jenn: Both! I've plotted every detail of a book, and I've started with nothing but a sense of place and a character. Recently, I've been leaning toward pantsing: there's a certain thrill of discovery you get when you're finding your way in the dark. However, at the very least, I prefer to know the goal and conflict of the story before I start writing.

TQ: What inspired you to write Kindling the Moon?

Jenn: I wanted to write a world in which no single group of people (or supernatural creatures) was necessarily bad or evil. Arcadia doesn't fight demons, Buffy-style: they are her friends, lovers, coworkers. Some are good—some, bad. I like gray characters.

I also wanted to write an urban fantasy with an independent lead who performed magic, but I didn't want to make her the average urban fantasy witch or sorcerer; I wanted to do something a little . . . darker. Arcadia has been raised in a occult group that taught her ceremonial magic. She doesn't necessary side with their viewpoints or subscribe to everything they're pushing, but she's smart enough to use what knowledge she's been given to her advantage.

TQ: What sort of research did you do to create the world of Kindling the Moon?

Jenn: Arcadia's world in KINDLING primarily focuses on three supernatural groups: magicians (who are human), Earthbounds (descendants of humans with invoked demon souls), and Æthyric demons (big, bad scary demons who live on another plane). Most of my world-building is the product of an overactive imagination, but I did spend a good deal of time researching classic books about demons, including goetic texts like the Lesser Key of Solomon, De Praestigiis Daemonum, Dictionnaire Infernal . . . you know—breezy, light reading.

The series also includes a worldwide organization of occult orders that train and support ceremonial magicians. Though I took enormous artistic license with my fictional esoteric organization, I connected with a real-life one for inspiration—a local branch of the O.T.O., an Thelemic organization once led by Alister Crowley. Contrary to the general public's preconceived notions of Crowley, I found most of the members to be quite devout, friendly people.

Jenn: Heavy research aside, I think the greatest strength of the book is the intertwining relationships of three characters: Arcadia (the protagonist), Lon (a local photographer with a large esoteric library), and Jupe, Lon's teenage son. One of my favorite scenes occurs when thirteen-year-old Jupe calls up Arcadia at her bar and asks her on a date. It's one of the more lighthearted scenes in the book and some of my favorite dialogue.

TQ: Who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?

Jenn: Lon was the hardest to write. He's a famous photographer, older, and raising a teenager alone. He's also very reserved and a bit damaged. He puts on a front that ranges from hostile to aloof, and he's a terrible communicator. But he's got a legitimate reason for being this way, and Arcadia uncovers some of his secrets throughout the story.The easiest character to write was his son: Jupe is enthusiastic, geeky, cocky, and weirdly charming. He loves comics and monster movies. And despite everything he's been through, he's eternally optimistic. I like that Arcadia is somewhere between these two, personality-wise, and I enjoyed exploring how both of them could influence her (which is further explored in the second book, SUMMONING THE NIGHT, due to come out in April 2012).

TQ: How many books are planned for the Arcadia Bell series?

Jenn: I'm contracted to Pocket for two, with an option for more. I have four total planned to complete a major story arc, and one day I'd like to do a young adult spinoff from Jupe's point of view.

Jenn: There's one in my head, and it swerves from classic rock to metal to funk. If that doesn't scare you away, then you can look for it on my website in July.

TQ: What's next?

Jenn: I just finished a quirky young adult paranormal romance which could be described as Sixteen Candles meets The Hobbit in Appalachia. (Did you just do a double-take? Yep, that's about right.) I'm getting ready to start writing another young adult—a supernatural/suspense/romantic noir. After that, I might tackle adult paranormal romance. Whatever I write, I think it will always be offbeat, original, slightly humorous, unconventionally romantic, and it will take place in a dark or surreal setting. I think that's what I do best, and it's definitely what I enjoy.

TQ: Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery

Jenn: It was my absolute pleasure! Thank you for having me. The Qwillery rocks!

Being the spawn of two infamous occultists (and alleged murderers) isn't easy, but freewheeling magician Arcadia "Cady" Bell knows how to make the best of a crummy situation. After hiding out for seven years, she's carved an incognito niche for herself slinging drinks at the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge.

But she receives an ultimatum when unexpected surveillance footage of her notorious parents surfaces: either prove their innocence or surrender herself. Unfortunately, the only witness to the crimes was an elusive Æthyric demon, and Cady has no idea how to find it. She teams up with Lon Butler, an enigmatic demonologist with a special talent for sexual spells and an arcane library of priceless stolen grimoires. Their research soon escalates into a storm of conflict involving missing police evidence, the decadent Hellfire Club, a ruthless bounty hunter, and a powerful occult society that operates way outside the law. If Cady can't clear her family name soon, she'll be forced to sacrifice her own life . . . and no amount of running will save her this time.

Summoning the Night (Arcadia Bell 2) is slated for release in April 2012.

About Jenn

Jenn Bennett is an award-winning visual artist-turned-author. Born in Germany, she’s lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe, the U.S., and the Far East. She believes rebellion is an under-appreciated art form, has conjured more demons than you’ve had hot lunches, and likes her fairy tales like she likes her coffee: dark. She currently lives near Atlanta with her film-geek husband and two very bad pugs.

What: One commenter will win a signed copy of Kindling the Moon from Jenn!

How: Leave a comment answering the following question:

If you visited the Tambuku Tiki Lounge, what beverage would you order from Cady?

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Jeannie: I need two things in order to write effectively: music and an empty house. Complete silence actually distracts me. I know many authors prefer to work without music or noise, but I simply must have music. As for the empty house, it’s weird but I can’t concentrate knowing there is someone in the house. The cats (I have four.) don’t bother me, but if my husband is home – forget it.

TQ: Are you a plotter or a panster?

Jeannie: I’m somewhere in the middle. When I start a new project, I like to plot out the main twists and turns but I always leave room for surprises. Characters have a way of taking over a story and sending it in new directions. I love it when that happens.

TQ: What inspired you to write the Alexandra Sabian series?

Jeannie: A life-long fascination with vampires, mysteries, and science fiction. Ever since I was six and saw Bela Lugosi as Dracula, vampires have fascinated me. I’ve studied the lore and legends from different counties and I’m always amazed by the similarities but also the vast differences. I also grew up ready Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown and have been a science fiction geek for as long as I can remember – I’m a huge Doctor Who fan! When I first started writing the series, I wanted to be able to combine all of these elements. No one told me I couldn’t so I did.

TQ: Why did you set the series in Mississippi?

Jeannie: I set the series in Mississippi because it’s my home state. I grew up in a rural area where the nearest town was twenty miles away. It was very easy to imagine vampires and other supernatural critters running around in the dark. Plus, the South has a rich tradition of storytelling that often involves the paranormal, and I wanted to carry on that tradition but bring it into a modern genre like urban fantasy.

TQ: What sort of research did you do to create the Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigations?

Jeannie: A lot! I spent a total of about two years researching police procedures, forensics, and other aspects of law enforcement. I’ve been very fortunate in that I’ve been able to make connections within the law enforcement community and they’ve been kind enough to answer questions. The most extreme bit of research I’ve done was to spend a twelve-hour shift riding shotgun with a patrol officer on a Saturday night. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Jeannie: That’s a tough question because every scene is a favorite in some way. If I had to choose, I would pick a scene between Alex and Varik that’s about mid-way through the book. Varik is attempting to prove a point but he uses some rather unconventional methods to do it. I also love the final scene in the book. I don’t want to give anything away, but I had a little too much fun writing certain events.

TQ: In Blood Secrets, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?

Jeannie: The most difficult character is the bad guy – the Dollmaker. I really don’t like being in his head. It’s a dark place and he’s just creepy. The easiest characters to write are Alex and Varik. They’re both very distinct personalities, and I don’t usually have much difficulty writing from their view points. When they’re together on a page, the conversations and arguments practically write themselves.

TQ: Who should play Alexandra Sabian and Varik Baudelaire if the books become movies?

Jeannie: Ben Barnes is Varik. Hands down. I had no idea Ben Barnes even existed until I saw a poster in a theater for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian a few years ago. It featured Ben and I remember stopping in the middle of the theater’s lobby, grabbing my husband’s arm, point at the poster and saying (rather loudly), “That’s Varik!” Ben fits the image I’ve had in my head of Varik from the start so I would definitely want him to play that role. As for Alex, I honestly have no clue who should play her in a movie. I’ve heard suggestions of everyone from Jessica Biel to Jessica Alba to Felicia Day to Emma Watson. If the books ever became movies, I’d leave casting that role up to the experts.

TQ: Is there a playlist for Blood Secrets and what is it?

Jeannie: There is a massive playlist for Blood Secrets – everything from the Dixie Chicks to Marilyn Manson. A few artists made frequent appearances though: Godsmack, Motley Crue, Aerosmith, AC/DC, and Kamelot.

TQ: How many books are planned for the Alexandra Sabian series?

Jeannie: I plan for six books total, and hopefully, I’ll get to write them all.

TQ: What's next?

Jeannie: I have a short story appearing in an anthology that will be out this fall. The story is a steampunk-inspired romantic fantasy which is completely different from the Alex series, and I had a lot of fun writing it. Currently, I’m working on a couple of projects. I can’t say much about them right now, but I’m really excited about them. The next two Alex books are plotted and I’ll be returning to them soon.

TQ: Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery

Jeannie: My pleasure and thanks for inviting me!

About Jeannie's Books

Blood Law

Alexandra Sabian 1
(Dell, July 6, 2010)

To stop a vampire killer, she’ll have to slay her own demons first.

A provocative and savvy vampire, Alexandra Sabian moves to the sleepy hamlet of Jefferson, Mississippi—population 6,000, half vampires—to escape the demons lurking in her past. As an enforcer for the Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigations (FBPI), Alex must maintain the uneasy peace between her kind and humans, including Jefferson’s bigoted sheriff, who’d be happy to see all vampires banished from town. Then really dead vamps start turning up—beheaded, crucified, and defanged, the same gruesome manner in which Alex’s father was murdered decades ago. For Alex, the professional has become way too personal.

Things get even more complicated when the FBPI sends in some unnervingly sexy backup: Alex’s onetime mentor, lover, and fiancé, Varik Baudelaire. Still stinging from the betrayal that ended their short-lived engagement, Alex is determined not to give in to the temptation that soon threatens to short-circuit her investigation. But as the vamp body count grows and the public panic level rises, Varik may be Alex’s only hope to stop a relentless killer who’s got his own score to settle and his own bloody past to put right.

WHEN ALEXANDRA SABIAN SINKS HER TEETH INTO AN INVESTIGATION, SHE DOESN’T LET GO.

Alex allowed a case involving murdered vamps to get personal and is suspended from the Federal Bureau of Preternatural Investigation. Now she’s facing an official inquiry but has a chance to redeem herself. The catch: She must once again work with Varik Baudelaire, her former mentor and ex-fiancé, as he spearheads a search for a missing college student. But Varik has been keeping secrets from Alex, and his mysterious past is on a collision course with his present.

When Alex and Varik discover a carefully handcrafted doll at a crime scene, neither of them can see how close the danger really is or that a killer known as the Dollmaker has made Alex the object of his horrific desire. Now the only way out of the Dollmaker’s lair is through the twilight realm of the Shadowlands, where all secrets—for better or worse—will be revealed.

Jeannie Holmes is the author of the Alexandra Sabian series, and fears spiders, large bodies of water, and bad weather. She moved from the backwoods of southwestern Mississippi to the Alabama Gulf Coast where she now lives with her husband and four neurotic cats. She enjoys art, exploring old cemeteries, traveling, and when she isn’t writing or has her nose stuck in a book, she spends her time searching for a really good cup of coffee.

What: One commenter will win a copy of Blood Law (Alexandra Sabian 1) and Blood Secrets (Alexandra Sabian 2). Please note the books will not be sent until on or after the release date of Blood Secrets.

How: Leave a comment answering the following question:

What is your favorite vampire movie?

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

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